Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest refuge outside of Alaska. More than half of all the birds in Nevada have been spotted at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, and Ash Meadows has crystal blue springs in the middle of the desert. ​Download the booklet to the left or pick one up at one of the Visitor Centers!

*check U.S. Fish and Wildlife websites for any changes before traveling.

Download Southern Nevada's activity booklet

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Southern Nevada's Endangered Species:

Southern Nevada National Wildlife Refuge Complex is home to several threatened and endangered species. At Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, the critically endangered Southwest Willow Flycatcher has been spotted. This grey-green bird lives along stretches of running water in nearby willows and other plants. Nesting females spend 5-10 days weaving their first nest of the season!

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is home to the endangered Amargosa Niterwort, a pink flowering plant. Amargosa Niterwort can survive at extremely high levels of salinity. Salinity is the amount of salt in the water. The plant is also endemic to Nevada and California, which means that it is found nowhere else in the world.

Photo by USFWS

Photo by USFWS

Threatened Inhabitants

Desert Tortoise (USFWS)

Did you know that the Desert Tortoise can survive ground temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit? How does the Desert Tortoise accomplish such a feat? It burrows 3-6 feet underground to escape burning temperatures.

Ash Meadows Sunray (USDA)

This vibrant flower is also known as the Corrugata. It is endemic to Ash Meadows after being threatened by agricultural development and mining.

Pahrump poolfish (USFWS)

This rare fish was once found in the Pahrump Valley. But after other nonnative species of fish were introduced, Pahrump polish nearly went extinct. Humans then saved the last of the species by moving them to Corn Creek Spring.